Heel fat pad syndrome occurs when the thick, protective layer of fatty tissue beneath the heel becomes thinned, displaced, or inflamed. This heel fat pad, known as the corpus adiposum, normally cushions the heel bone and helps absorb the force of impact during walking or running. When the fat pad loses its elasticity or volume, it can no longer protect the heel effectively. This results in a deep, bruise-like pain in the center of the heel, especially when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces. Common causes include repetitive impact from sports, prolonged standing, walking on hard floors, gait abnormalities, and age-related tissue breakdown. Excess body weight and medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, may also contribute. The heel pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. A podiatrist can evaluate heel structure, identify fat pad atrophy through a physical exam or imaging, and recommend methods to reduce discomfort and protect the heel. If your heels hurt during everyday activities, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment options.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge of the nail presses into the surrounding skin, often causing pain and swelling. If bacteria enters the broken skin, the area can become infected. Signs of infection include redness, warmth, pus, and increased tenderness. Wearing tight shoes, improper nail trimming, or injury can increase the risk. Infections can spread if not treated promptly, sometimes leading to more serious problems. A podiatrist can safely remove the ingrown portion of the nail, clean the area, and recommend antibiotics, if necessary. For recurring cases, a minor procedure may be suggested to stop part of the nail from growing back. If your toe is painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection, it is suggested you visit a podiatrist for proper treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Bunions are deformities that develop at the base of the big toe, forming hard lumps on the sides of the feet. They occur when the big toe gradually shifts toward the other toes, causing the joint to push outward. This misalignment may result from inherited foot structure, poor footwear choices, or stress on the feet over time. Symptoms include swelling, redness, soreness, and difficulty wearing shoes comfortably. A podiatrist can evaluate the condition, provide pain relief strategies, recommend proper footwear, and discuss treatment options that may include custom orthotics or surgical correction. If you see a bump near your big toe or experience pain while walking, it is suggested that you seek podiatric care to restore comfort and function.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Edward Orman, DPM of Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that supports your arch, becomes inflamed due to overuse, tight calf muscles, poor footwear, or excessive standing. Runners, people with flat feet, and those who are overweight are especially at risk. Symptoms include sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. The heel may feel swollen or tender to the touch. A podiatrist can diagnose plantar fasciitis through physical examination and may recommend custom orthotics, stretching exercises, or footwear changes. In some cases, advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections may be recommended. If you are dealing with heel pain that may be caused by plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that is often caused by a strain injury. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Edward Orman, DPM from Honeygo Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. When this ligament becomes inflamed, plantar fasciitis is the result. If you have plantar fasciitis you will have a stabbing pain that usually occurs with your first steps in the morning. As the day progresses and you walk around more, this pain will start to disappear, but it will return after long periods of standing or sitting.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Having high arches in your feet
• Other foot issues such as flat feet
• Pregnancy (due to the sudden weight gain)
• Being on your feet very often

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop plantar fasciitis compared to others. The condition most commonly affects adults between the ages of 40 and 60. It also tends to affect people who are obese because the extra pounds result in extra stress being placed on the plantar fascia.

Prevention

• Take good care of your feet – Wear shoes that have good arch support and heel cushioning.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• If you are a runner, alternate running with other sports that won’t cause heel pain

There are a variety of treatment options available for plantar fasciitis along with the pain that accompanies it. Additionally, physical therapy is a very important component in the treatment process. It is important that you meet with your podiatrist to determine which treatment option is best for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Perry Hall, and Fallston, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.